Ex-New York Giants linebacker Michael Boley was quietly arrested for child abuse back in February ... 3 days after he was cut by the team ... TMZ has learned.

Boley -- a starting linebacker in Super Bowl XLVI -- had been under investigation in Alabama for a 2011 incident involving his son, who was 5 years old at the time.

The details of the alleged abuse are unclear, although sources tell us the allegations were of a physical nature and NOT sexual abuse.

Here's what we know ... Boley's case was scheduled to go in front of a grand jury in February 2013 ... but before that got under way, the 30-year-old NFL star struck a plea deal with prosecutors.

Court officials in Etowah County, AL tell TMZ ... Boley pled guilty to child abuse -- and in exchange, he was ordered to enroll in a pre-trial diversion program and upon completion the charge would be dropped.

Boley was also required to turn himself into authorities. He was booked on February 8, smiled for a mug shot and was released from custody later that day.



Seems the NY Giants were hip to Boley's legal issues ... 'cause he was unexpectedly cut by the team on February 5 ... 3 days before Boley turned himself in to authorities. Boley is currently a free agent, on the hunt for a job.

A rep for Boley had no comment -- but sources connected to the NFL star tell us Boley plans to comply with the terms of the plea deal.


5/3 -- Boley's agents have released a statement saying, "Mr. Boley is dealing with a personal matter that allegedly happened nearly two years ago. Michael has been and always will be a loving and supportive father to all of his children."

"Due to the circumstances of the situation, he has chosen to enter into an arrangement with the Courts that serves the best interest of his family. During this difficult time, Michael will gain strength from his family and continue to be the loving father that everyone knows him to be."

NY Giants linebacker Michael Boley -- who signed a $25 million contract in 2009 -- is being investigated for allegedly abusing his 5-year-old son earlier this year ... TMZ has learned.

According to the official incident report, taken by the Gadsden Police Department in Alabama -- Boley is accused of the repeated willful abuse of a child under 18 from May 30 to June 5.

Officials will not release details surrounding the nature of the alleged abuse.

A rep for the Gadsden PD tells us the case was investigated and has been handed over to the District Attorney's Office, which will present the case to a grand jury. The grand jury will then decide if there is enough evidence to formally charge Boley with a crime.

Boley's attorney, Randall M. Kessler, tells TMZ ... "These allegations were brought to our attention along with outrageous monetary demands in a contested child support case which she filed over a year ago."

Kessler added, "At final trial about a month ago, she did not seek an order restricting visitation.  The only relief she requested from the judge was that child support be more than quintupled to, in her words, 'increase her lifestyle.'"

In light of the allegations, another woman who has a 2-year-old child with Boley, has filed court papers in Georgia asking a judge to require the NFL star to be supervised when spending time with their child.

The judge has not yet ruled on her request.